Question
HOW do I get rid of rust on my hollyhocks?

Answer
Nancy,

  Hollyhocks develop a fungus called RUST which is caused by Puccinia malvacearum, an autoecious rust. The spores are carried by rainwater, spraying and sprinkling actions, so this is why you should not water the leaves of your Hollyhocks, but rather water them from underneath. I have to say that mine never develop rust until the dry heat of summer, when they are pretty much finished blooming anyhow. As I cut the seed heads off (use scissors or a snipper, don't yank them!) I simply cut the stalk down to the next seed head and leave it that way if it is not yet ready to drop a particular seed head.

  If you make trimming a habit, you will find that your hollyhocks stay neat and tidy. In early spring, be sure to remove as many weeds in the area of your hocks as you can, then as they progress, be sure to keep an eye under your plants, as many of the spring leaves may drag the ground after heavy rains. If you find any leaves in the mud while still attached to the plant, use clean and sharp scissors to cut the leaf (including the leaf stem) neatly from the plant. Dispose of these in the trash, not the compost pile. Try to keep the dropped leaves picked up or snipped off to reduce diseases such as rust, which can make a hollyhock look dreadful. Rust won't kill your plant, but it will make you want to remove the entire thing! If the rust becomes too much for simple leaf removal, some gardeners want to remove the entire plant. Ah, the hollyhock. Not a plant for the fussy or hoity-toity gardener. You can put the brakes on the early rust signs with Schultz brand FUNGICIDE 3 with Neem Oil; which is a garden safe product.

As for the rust, Keep in mind that you should remove the tainted foliage with a sharp pair of garden shears or snippers. Dispose of all removed hock foliage in trash bags, NOT your compost pile.

Sijka